Fast Five Quiz: Dry Eye Disease (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca) Etiology and Pathophysiology

Christina R. Prescott, MD, PhD

November 10, 2022

Dry eye disease (DED), also known as dry eye syndrome, keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), and keratitis sicca, is a multifactorial disease of the ocular surface due to a loss of homeostasis of the tear film. It often results in ocular symptoms and visual disturbance due to underlying tear hyperosmolarity and instability, as well as ocular surface inflammation and damage, and neurosensory abnormalities. DED is a common form of ocular surface disease (OSD) and may overlap with other causes of OSD, such as limbal stem cell deficiency and ocular graft-vs-host disease.

There are two major types of DED: aqueous deficient and evaporative, both of which can be related to tear hyperosmolarity and instability. DED can also be subdivided into disease associated with Sjögren syndrome (SS) and disease not associated with SS (non-SS KCS).

How much do you know about the etiology and pathophysiology of DED? Check your knowledge with this quick quiz.

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Any views expressed above are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of WebMD or Medscape.

Cite this: Christina R. Prescott. Fast Five Quiz: Dry Eye Disease (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca) Etiology and Pathophysiology - Medscape - Nov 10, 2022.

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